Biblical Studies/
Bible Figures

We are reminded that salvation is wholly from God when we see the many miraculous births in Scripture. Of course, the preeminent example of this is Jesus’ nativity, as He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and ...Read More

The principles of how we are to act in certain situations are clearly given in Scripture. Yet, like Abraham, we can be guilty of going our own way. When the Lord plainly makes His intent for us known, we must ...Read More

Sarah helps us understand that all those who by faith identify themselves with Abraham’s Lord and family shall be included in the promises to Him. It seemed incredible for God to bless Abraham with royal descendants, and it is ...Read More

While our sin can cause the Lord’s discipline to come upon us, it cannot finally prevent His kindness from resting on us, if indeed He has mercifully determined to save us. The elect of God are not to take ...Read More

The New Testament tells us we can be sure we have a persevering faith in Jesus if we maintain right doctrine (1 John 2:22–23), love other Christians (3:14), and obey Christ’s commands (2:3–6). While ...Read More

In his commentary, Matthew Henry tells us this passage teaches that “what God is himself, that he will be to his people: his wisdom theirs, to guide and counsel them; his power theirs, to protect and support them; his goodness ...Read More

The Lord calls Himself “God Almighty” in Genesis 17 to remind Abram of the power He gives His people to walk before Him. Indeed, as John Calvin says, “There is no other method of living piously and justly, than that ...Read More

John Calvin says Paul “is not inconsistent with the true and literal meaning; when a comparison was drawn between the Church and the family of Abraham. As the house of Abraham was then a true Church…the principal and most ...Read More

In His great love, God provided for His people what they could not provide for themselves: perfect righteousness in Christ. While we cannot give this great gift, we can spread His love by working to meet the needs of those ...Read More

Terrorism and Islamic jihad can make it hard for Western Christians to look upon the children of Ishmael with love. Yet as the Lord will redeem people from every tribe and tongue (Rev. 7:9–10), it is incumbent upon ...Read More

John Calvin comments, “We are here taught with what clemency the Lord acts towards his own people, although they have deserved severe punishment.” Hagar was proud, and she suffered the consequences, yet God did not forget her. Likewise, we too ...Read More

Pride, blame shifting, and passivity are generally some of the first responses a sinner wants to make when dealing with the consequences of transgression. Yet as we have seen, none of these helps; in fact, they only aggravate the situation ...Read More

Our enemy is cunning and will often try and deceive us through those closest to us. Therefore, as John Calvin comments, “We must be on our guard against his wiles; lest by any means he should undermine us.” Consider whether ...Read More

Once again in the story of Abraham, Moses records the historical details in such a way as to emphasize the importance of trusting the Lord even in the face of personal difficulty. Real faith does not only believe God when ...Read More